University of Arkansas Scholarships (2025–2026)
← Back to the Public University Scholarships hub • See Arkansas state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: 79% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 22–29 (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% SAT: 1030–1210 (CDS 2024–25)
- Average HS GPA: 3.78 (CDS 2024–25)
Source: University of Arkansas Common Data Set 2024–25 (Office of Institutional Research). Middle 50% = the range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UARK at a Glance
Last verified: October 5, 2025
If your student has solid grades or test scores, the University of Arkansas can be surprisingly affordable. Between automatic merit, competitive Honors awards, and the Non-Resident Tuition Award (NRTA), many out-of-state families pay close to in-state rates.
This guide breaks down the real costs, who usually qualifies for the top scholarships, and how families combine NRTA with other awards to drive net price down.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes for general admission through 2026, but test scores are required for merit scholarships and used for placement. UA accepts superscoring for both ACT and SAT. (Admissions, 2025–26)
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 22–29; SAT 1080–1320 (Common Data Set 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $16,208 (NCES/IPEDS College Navigator, latest year).
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? Yes — the Non-Resident Tuition Award (NRTA) provides a 90% tuition waiver for eligible students from bordering states and select counties.
https://scholarships.uark.edu
https://nrta.uark.edu
https://honors.uark.edu/find-funding/
https://news.uark.edu/articles/78709/u-of-a-honors-college-announces-2025-bodenhamer-fellows
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=university+of+arkansas&s=all&id=106397#netprc
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Arkansas (2025–2026)
These are the direct, billed costs for a full-time undergraduate student living on campus in Fayetteville. Additional expenses like transportation, books, and personal costs are not billed by the university but still factor into aid eligibility.
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $10,496 | $31,550 |
| Housing & Meals | $14,968 | $14,968 |
| Total (Direct/Billed) | $25,464 | $46,518 |
Why only these items? We include the costs you typically pay directly to the University of Arkansas — tuition, fees, housing, and meals. Other indirect costs (books ≈ $1,200, transportation ≈ $3,500, and personal expenses ≈ $2,500) can add up to about $7,000 per year.
📉 Average Net Price (What Families Actually Pay)
The average net price is approximately $16,508 per year after grants and scholarships (IPEDS 2023).
Around one-third of Arkansas students receive institutional aid averaging about $10,700 annually.
Use the U of A Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Learn how net price and the new Student Aid Index (SAI) work in our
Net Price & SAI Guide.
- Academic Common Market (ACM): Qualifying majors allow residents of participating SREB states to pay in-state rates.
- Texarkana & Bowie County Reciprocity: Residents of Texarkana, TX, and Bowie County, TX, qualify for in-state classification.
- New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award (NRTA): Reduces non-resident tuition by 70–90% for qualifying students.
- Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship: Granted automatically when a student earns $4,000+ in UA scholarships per semester.
- Alumni Legacy & Military Waivers: Discounts for alumni children, veterans, and dependents of active-duty military.
Example: In-state students pay about $25K before aid; non-residents pay about $46K, a $21K difference that scholarships or NRTA can often offset.
👉 Arkansas State Grants & Scholarships
FAQ — Cost of Attendance at the University of Arkansas
Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher?
Like most public universities, Arkansas charges higher tuition to non-residents because in-state students’ families support the university through state taxes. However, out-of-state students can offset this difference through programs like the Academic Common Market, the Non-Resident Tuition Award (NRTA), or automatic merit scholarships.
What’s the difference between billed and total costs?
Billed costs include tuition, fees, housing, and meals paid directly to the university. The total cost of attendance adds indirect expenses—books, travel, and personal costs—which typically add about $7,000 per year.
Can out-of-state students really get near in-state rates?
Yes. Many non-resident students qualify for the NRTA or Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship, which reduce the out-of-state portion by 70–90%. Bordering counties like Texarkana and Bowie County also get full in-state status automatically.
How accurate is the $16,500 average net price?
It’s a verified federal average. Students with strong academics or financial need often pay far less, while out-of-state students without aid may pay more unless they qualify for NRTA or merit awards.
Do Arkansas state scholarships stack with university awards?
Yes. Programs like the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and state grants can be combined with UA merit scholarships, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs for residents.
Does UA participate in WUE or other national tuition exchanges?
No. The University of Arkansas does not participate in WUE, but it does participate in the Academic Common Market for specific majors approved by SREB member states.
https://finaid.uark.edu/cost-of-attendance.php
https://scholarships.uark.edu
https://nrta.uark.edu
Automatic Scholarships — University of Arkansas
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | Up to $8,000/year | ACT 32+ or SAT 1420+ and GPA ≥ 3.90 | No | Yes — 4 years; 30 hrs/yr; GPA ≥ 3.0 | Top students with both high GPA and top test scores | Nov 15 |
| Chancellor’s Community Scholarship | Up to $5,000/year | GPA ≥ 3.75 plus documented service record | No | Yes — 4 years | Students with strong academics and significant community service | Nov 15 |
| Silas Hunt Distinguished Scholarship | $5,000–$8,000/year | ACT 26+ or SAT 1240+ and GPA ≥ 3.50; must be first-gen or from underrepresented background | No | Yes — 4 years | First-generation or underrepresented students meeting GPA/test benchmarks | Nov 15 |
| Advance Arkansas Scholarship | Up to $4,000/year | GPA ≥ 3.00; FAFSA required; first-gen preference | No (FAFSA required) | Yes — 4 years; 27 hrs first year then 30/yr; GPA ≥ 2.5 | Need-based, first-gen students who apply early and maintain GPA | Nov 15 |
| Razorback Bridge Scholarship | Up to $3,500/year | First-generation student; GPA ≥ 3.00 | No | Yes — 4 years | First-gen admits who join and stay in the Bridge cohort | Nov 15 |
| Leadership Scholarship | Up to $2,000/year | ACT 26+ or SAT 1240+ and GPA ≥ 3.50; documented leadership roles | No | Yes — 4 years | Students with proven leadership roles (officers, captains, organizers) | Nov 15 |
| First-Year Advantage Scholarship | $5,000 (on-campus) or $3,000 (commuter) | Submit housing application (on-campus) or commuter status by priority date | No | No — one-time | Students who apply early for housing or commuter designation | Nov 15 |
GPA and test score thresholds are based on recent award data. The University of Arkansas awards each student the single highest-value automatic scholarship they qualify for—these awards do not stack. Criteria and funding may vary annually.
Automatic Merit — FAQs (University of Arkansas)
What’s the scholarship deadline?
The priority deadline for automatic merit consideration is November 15. Submitting a complete application and test scores by this date ensures full eligibility.
Does Arkansas superscore ACT or SAT?
No. The University of Arkansas uses the best single test date for automatic scholarship consideration.
Can students qualify test-optional?
Yes, some awards (like Advance Arkansas or Razorback Bridge) consider GPA and service/financial need instead of test scores.
Are these scholarships renewable?
Yes, most automatic merit awards renew up to four years if the student maintains GPA and completes the required credit hours each year.
Can these stack with other aid?
No. Students receive the single highest-value automatic scholarship they qualify for, but these may combine with state or federal aid up to the cost of attendance.
When are awards announced?
Automatic scholarships are typically awarded soon after admission and updated as final test scores or transcripts arrive.
https://scholarships.uark.edu/
https://collegereadyparent.org/university-of-arkansas/
https://catalog.uark.edu/undergraduatecatalog/financialaidandscholarships/scholarshipsfornewstudents/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Competitive Scholarships)
These scholarships require a separate application, essays, or nomination through the Arkansas Scholarship Application Management (ASAM) / Academic Scholarship Office portal. They are not automatic and are limited in number.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility / Criteria | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Typically Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunt Leadership Scholars | Full in-state tuition + fees | ~3.8+ GPA, strong leadership, essay | Yes (ASAM / scholarship app) | Yes — for 4 years (with continuing criteria) | ~15-20 per year; applicants with distinguished leadership, service, academics | Nov 15 (priority) / Feb 1 (final) |
| Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship | Full ride (tuition, fees, room & board, stipend) | Arkansas resident; ACT 32+/SAT 1410+; GPA ≥ 3.5 | Yes — state / scholarship application | Yes — 4 years | Top Arkansas academic achievers statewide | Nov 15 priority / Feb 1 final |
| Scholarship of Distinction | $2,000–$5,000/yr | High GPA/test scores + supplemental scholarship application | Yes — via the Academic Scholarship portal | Yes — renewable for up to 4 years | Strong academic applicants who complete the extra application early | Nov 15 / Feb 1 |
Disclaimer: Award amounts, eligibility thresholds, and selection volumes may change annually depending on funding and applicant pools. Some competitive awards may replace or reduce other aid rather than stack — always confirm details with UA’s (UArk’s) Office of Academic Scholarships.
❓ Flagship / Competitive Scholarship FAQs
Is November 15 a hard deadline for these competitive awards?
It’s the **priority deadline** for most scholarships. Students applying by Nov 15 have the strongest consideration. However, the **final deadline** for scholarship/fellowship consideration is **February 1**.
How many merit or academic scholarships does UArk award each year?
The Honors College notes that UArk offers approximately **1,000 merit-based scholarships** annually.
How are applicants chosen for competitive awards?
Selection is holistic. Factors include GPA, test scores, leadership, service, essays, and other extracurriculars. Some awards also consider Arkansas residency or state criteria.
Do competitive scholarships stack with automatic merit aid?
Sometimes. Some competitive awards may replace existing merit awards; others might stack — but stacking depends on policy and donor conditions. Always verify with the Academic Scholarship Office.
Does UArk offer a National Merit package?
Yes. UArk offers a **Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship** for National Merit Finalists, which is awarded on top of a New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award (if applicable).
https://scholarships.uark.edu/
https://catalog.uark.edu/undergraduatecatalog/financialaidandscholarships/scholarshipsfornewstudents/
Honors College at the University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas Honors College provides smaller discussion-based classes, priority registration, undergraduate research funding, and faculty mentorship. For motivated students, it serves as a gateway to national fellowships and professional success.
Admissions: The Honors College requires a separate application that includes essays, transcripts, and test scores (superscored ACT/SAT accepted). Admission is not automatic — even top students must apply for consideration.
- Typical Admit: ACT 30+, GPA 3.8+, and strong writing portfolio
- Deadline: November 15 for top fellowships; February 1 for general Honors admission
- Automatic Invites? No. Every student must submit the Honors application.
Major Honors Fellowships
| Fellowship | Award | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sturgis Fellowship | Full cost of attendance + study abroad + research funding | ACT 33+, 4.0 GPA, strong research and service profile | Yes — Honors application with essays and interview | Yes (4 years) | Students with perfect or near-perfect stats and significant academic depth | November 15 |
| Walton Fellowship | Full ride + enrichment funding | ACT 32+, GPA 3.9+, leadership record, business or economics interest | Yes — Honors application and interview | Yes (4 years) | Students with top academics and leadership in business or civic engagement | November 15 |
| Tyson Fellowship | Full ride (STEM majors only) | ACT 31+, GPA 3.9+, majoring in STEM field | Yes — Honors application with STEM emphasis | Yes (4 years) | High-GPA students in science or engineering with research potential | November 15 |
| Honors College Fellowship | $72,000 total ($18,000/year) | ACT 30+, GPA 3.8+, strong essays and service record | Yes — Honors application and supplemental essays | Yes (4 years) | Top Honors admits with exceptional writing and academic rigor | November 15 |
Note: These fellowships are extremely competitive, with only a limited number awarded each year. Eligibility cutoffs are approximate; final decisions depend on essays, interviews, and available funding.
Honors College — FAQs (University of Arkansas)
Is Honors admission automatic?
No. All students must complete the separate Honors College application, including essays and official test scores. Invitations are not automatic, even for top academic profiles.
What’s the difference between Honors admission and a Fellowship?
All Fellows are Honors students, but not all Honors students are Fellows. Fellowships include large scholarships and research funding, while Honors admission grants access to small classes and mentoring.
Do you need test scores?
While test-optional applicants may apply, the most competitive Honors and Fellowship candidates generally submit high ACT/SAT scores for scholarship consideration.
Can you join Honors later?
Yes. Current University of Arkansas students can apply for departmental or college-level Honors after completing their first semester with a strong GPA.
Are Honors classes harder?
They emphasize depth and discussion over extra workload. Courses are taught by top faculty and designed to challenge students through writing and research.
https://honors.uark.edu/apply.php
https://honors.uark.edu/find-funding/
https://fulbright.uark.edu/sturgis-fellowships/
https://news.uark.edu/articles/78679/u-of-a-honors-college-selects-2025-fellows-class
https://honors.uark.edu/find-funding/endowed-fellowships.php
https://coehphonors.uark.edu/current-students/events.php
🌟 What the University of Arkansas Is Known For
As the flagship research university of Arkansas, UA doesn’t just teach—it discovers, innovates, and leads. With its R1 (very high research activity) status, today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators. Here’s what that looks like in some of the standout programs most likely to impress your student or your resume.
The **Supply Chain Management** undergraduate program in the Sam M. Walton College of Business is **ranked No. 1 in North America** by Gartner—three years running. If logistics, operations, or business strategy is your game, this is one of the best places in the world to play it.
- R1 Research Classification – UA is designated as a “Doctoral University with Very High Research Activity” (R1), placing it in the top tier of U.S. research institutions.
- Business Programs – The Walton College is ranked #9 (undergraduate) and #11 (graduate) nationally by U.S. News; its Information Systems department is top-5 globally in research output.
- Engineering Online Master’s – UA’s online master’s engineering programs are ranked #31 nationally, with subrank #20 for veterans.
- Engineering (On-Campus) – UA’s on-campus engineering programs are ranked #1 in the state, with national rankings around #149 among doctoral engineering schools.
- Law School – Consistently ranked among the top public law schools, historically around #43 among publics.
- Graduate Business (MBA) – Full-time MBA is ranked #25 for public universities; part-time MBA is in the top 30 nationally.
- Undergraduate Academics – UA’s undergraduate programs in business, economics, computer science, engineering, nursing, and psychology are all recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News.{index=8}
- Poultry Science – Dale Bumpers College – One of the top three programs nationally in poultry science.